Bangkok Post, as expected, has increased the number of articles you must pay to read. They will soon be only for paid subscribers. Our policy is to not link to paid content, or even to content requiring you to register, so articles from Bangkok Post will be disappearing from this newsletter, as they have from the Thailand Examiner, which closed its site to paid-only a year ago. Since Expat News gathers content from many sources, this latest paid subscriber effort will not affect our coverage. It just means other sources will gain the benefit of our reader traffic.
- Hua Hin, Cha-am defy tourism slump/Thailand ranks 3rd for expat life/Exclusions you probably haven’t read/Nominee drive on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan/35 Chinese nominee companies found/39th Bangkok pub fire death/Market packed for Nene Royal’s farewell
- ECONOMY: Ekniti’s high-income status goal/Suphajee heads to US tariff talks//US transshipment crackdown/White House Targets Thailand/Property developers turn to foreign buyers/Thailand plans auto tax overhaul
- TOURISM: AOT studies return of duty-free shops/Tourists swept away at waterfall/Family stranded at sea for 16 hours/Longtail boat capsizes off Krabi/Four Spanish tourists injured/British woman complains about hotel wedding/Thai surgeon says doctor dsputes TV report
- THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Health Riders in Thailand/Fighting to Save Thailand’s dying dugongs/Bangkok’s floating markets/Bangkok’s New Zoo
- INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS
Hua Hin, Cha-am defy tourism slump with foreign visitors spending more
Tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi continues to show resilience, with stronger foreign visitor revenue and higher per-person spending helping offset softer domestic demand and wider economic pressures.
Sittichai Tanthasit, Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial tourism and sports officer, said the province generated 26.996 billion baht in tourism revenue during the first six months of 2026. Thai visitors accounted for 23.131 billion baht, while international visitors generated 3.866 billion baht. Continued …
Thailand ranks 3rd for expat life in global 2026 survey
Thailand ranks third of 31 destinations for expats on the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, behind Panama and Mexico. The survey ran from Feb. 1 to March 31 this year, drawing about 7,786 respondents of 162 nationalities across 31 countries.
Panama held the top place for the third year running. Mexico placed second overall and first for ease of settling in. After Thailand came the UAE, Brazil, Spain, Singapore, Portugal, Malaysia and Luxembourg. Continued …
The exclusions you probably haven’t read will cost you in Thailand
A single night in a private room at Bangkok Hospital can run past 25,000 baht before any treatment is added to the bill. Most expats assume their health insurance handles that kind of cost without a second thought. But the truth is, the exclusions section of the policy, the part almost nobody reads past the first page, is often where that assumption falls apart.
Health insurance for expats in Thailand is written to be technically complete, not easy to read. The difference between what a policy sounds like it covers and what it actually excludes is where expats lose the most money, usually at the exact moment they can least afford a surprise. Continued …
Drive against foreign owned property and business on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan now targets leases
Thailand’s crackdown on foreign business and property control is now moving onto long-term land leases and the wider issue of foreign-controled businesses. Investigators are probing 30-year leases used to secure effective property control, alongside nominee companies, land holdings and overseas rental payments.
On Koh Samui, around 8,000 companies are under scrutiny, while 138 face urgent land action and another 2,579 are suspected nominee operations. Police are pursuing 101 warrants as the campaign widens across Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, reaching villas, hotels, advisers and business networks in Phuket and Bangkok. Continued …
35 Chinese nominee companies found in Sakhon Nakhon
The Commerce Ministry recently discovered that there have been irregularities in the registration of 35 companies in four districts of northeastern Sakon Nakhon province, with unwitting Thai villagers used to set up these 100% Chinese-owned nominee firms while 14 were totally Thai owned but none were conducting any business at all at their registered addresses.
Investigation revealed that a woman based in Khok Si Suphan district of this northeastern province acted as a broker, procuring copies of household registration and national ID cards from villagers at 500 to 1,000 baht each. She then handed the 35 sets of documents to Chinese investors, receiving 1,500 baht per person. Continued …
Police commando becomes 39th Bangkok pub fire death
Police Lance Corp. Thanakorn Phetthong, 23, has become the 39th person to die following the fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao venue in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.
Thanakorn, a squad leader with Division 1 of the Special Operations Division, died Saturday in the trauma intensive care unit at Police Hospital. He had been receiving continuous treatment for severe injuries since the blaze on July 12. Thanakorn, a police commando, was working as a security guard at the venue at the time of the fire. Continued …
Market packed for Nene Royal’s farewell concert before America’s Got Talent live shows
The Naka Market in Phuket was packed with fans as “Nene Royal” held a farewell concert ahead of her trip to the United States to compete in the live shows round of America’s Got Talent Season 21.
Yesterday, Nene, whose real name is Rattikarn Amlam, or 16-year-old Praew, performed at Naka Market in Wichit subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district.
Praew is an international scholarship student at a leading international school in Phuket. She rose to global attention after competing on America’s Got Talent and successfully secured a place among the final 44 contestants from around the world advancing to the live shows. Continued …
Ekniti’s high-income status goal for Thailand is a giant leap of faith
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas recently unveiled a new economic plan aimed at steering Thailand toward a high-income nation, but experts have flagged obstacles that need immediate attention.
The plan aims to push GDP growth beyond 3% — up from the current 2% — and increase investment to 30% of GDP to ride the next industrial wave. Continued …
Suphajee heads to US with three trade red lines intact
Thailand will send a technical team to the United States from Aug. 27 to 29 for further negotiations on an agreement on reciprocal trade, or ART, before policy-level talks led by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.
Suphajee will travel to the US from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, seeking to conclude the negotiations while retaining Thailand’s positions on three issues the government considers non-negotiable. Continued …
US transshipment crackdown puts eight Thai sectors on alert
Eight Thai industrial groups responsible for US$52.23 billion in exports to the United States in 2025 could face more intensive checks on product origin and manufacturing processes as Washington steps up enforcement against illegal transshipment.
Under assumptions that 10%–20% of exports in the identified sectors could be selected for stricter examination, the analysis estimated that goods worth US$5.2 billion to US$10.4 billion, or about 172.359 billion to 344.718 billion baht, could be exposed to additional scrutiny. Continued …
White House Targets Thailand, 40+ Countries Over China Tariff Evasion Scam
The White House has accused more than 40 countries, including Thialnd, Canada, Mexico, Japan and EU member states, of helping China evade US tariffs by rerouting exports through lower-tariff jurisdictions — a practice it labels “The Great Transshipment Scam”.
The report estimates that such transshipment covers about $60 billion in trade, with other US and private analyses placing the range between $40-$303 billion. Continued …
Thai property developers turn to foreign buyers for high rental yields
Thailand’s property market is increasingly looking to foreign buyers, as slowing economic growth, high household debt and tighter lending conditions put pressure on domestic purchasing power.
Developers and property agents are consequently seeking opportunities beyond the local market, with overseas buyers continuing to show strong demand for Thai property for residential use, investment and rental income. Continued …
Thailand plans auto tax overhaul after Indonesia’s Toyota bid
Thailand plans to restructure automotive excise taxes by offering lower rates for vehicles produced domestically and charging more on fully built imports from companies without manufacturing investment in the country.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas described the reform as urgent and instructed senior officials to complete the new structure by September. Continued …
AOT studies fast-track services, return of arrival duty-free shops
Airports of Thailand (AOT) is studying whether to restore duty-free shopping for arriving passengers, alongside possible premium fast-track services at its six airports.
The review follows a 14.812 billion baht net profit for the first nine months of fiscal 2026, up 549.96 million baht, or 3.9%, from a year earlier. The period ran from October 2025 to June 2026. Continued …
Chiang Mai Waterfall closed after tourists swept away
Mae Sa Waterfall in Chiang Mai has been closed after a sudden rush of forest runoff swept several tourists downstream on Saturday. All visitors were rescued, with one person taken to hospital after suffering dizziness.
The incident happened at about 3 pm at the waterfall in Mae Rim district, within Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Visitors had been swimming and enjoying the falls when the water level and current suddenly intensified. Most of those involved were foreign tourists, according to park officials. Continued …
Family stranded at sea for 16 hours after jet ski capsized off Koh Samui
A French family was left stranded at sea for more than 16 hours overnight after their rented jet ski capsized off the coast of Koh Samui.
A 50-year-old father and his sons, five and seven, were left “pale” and “exhausted after swallowing a lot of seawater” before being rescued, local government official Amorn Chomchoey said. Continued …
All on board safe after longtail boat capsizes off Krabi
Ten tourists, a guide and a boat skipper were all safely rescued after a longtail boat capsized off Laem Hang Nak in Krabi province on Saturday. Officials at Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park were alerted about the accident at about 11.15 am on Saturday.
Upon arrival, they found a longtail boat overturned in the water. Crew from the speedboat Sayang Tour managed to pull all 12 people from the water — 10 tourists, one guide and the skipper. Continued …
Four Spanish tourists injured by falling tree at Ayutthaya temple
Four Spanish tourists were injured after a large tree suddenly snapped and fell on them at Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya province yesterday. The incident occurred inside the historic temple complex in Pratu Chai subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district.
The four injured tourists were one man and three women. Rescue workers and local volunteers rushed to the scene and provided first aid before transferring them to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital. Continued …
British woman complains about hotel wedding disruption to her vacation
A British woman has described how a three-day wedding at a five-star hotel in Thailand disrupted what she had expected to be a peaceful break after a long flight.
Angela Epstein, from Manchester, said she and her husband arrived to blue skies, spacious rooms and sea views, but soon discovered that a large destination wedding was under way. The celebration included lawn games, an MC using a loudspeaker, and, later, drunk guests and a DJ set. Continued …
Thai surgeon says doctor in the 60 Minutes exposé told him a different story
A prominent Thai plastic surgeon has publicly urged people not to take everything in the Australian 60 Minutes investigation into Thai cosmetic surgery at face value, saying he has been contacted by a surgeon connected to one of the featured cases who told him the reality was not as the program presented it.
Dr. Surawej Namhawm, a plastic surgeon, posted his response after the Aug. 9 broadcast of the program, in an episode titled “Destination Disaster”. Reporter Amelia Adams spent six months investigating one of Bangkok’s largest medical tourism operators, featuring Australian women who said their procedures left them disfigured, including misplaced nipples and severe scarring. Continued …
How Health Riders in Thailand are Expanding Healthcare Access
Where one lives in Thailand strongly determines how easily one can see a doctor. The agricultural sector suffers the most, with farmers making up 45.5% of all poor households. This is largely because gross farm incomes fluctuate wildly with weather and market prices.
The way people spend their money also reveals deep inequality. The poorest 20% of households use half of their income just to buy food, while the richest 10% spend more on things like vehicles, electronics, travel and medical care. Continued …
Meet the man fighting to Save Thailand’s dying dugongs
Theerasak “Pop” Saksritawee spends up to eight hours every day swimming, hiking and filming dugongs near Phuket. Now, he’s warning the animals may soon disappear from one of the few places outside Australia that they gather. Video …
Bangkok’s floating markets: Where trade still floats
Long before they became one of Thailand’s most recognizable tourist attractions, floating markets were the lifeblood of riverside communities. Built around the country’s vast network of canals, they served as bustling trading hubs where merchants bought and sold everything from fresh produce to household goods, shaping daily life for generations.
Today, while their purpose has evolved, they continue to preserve a centuries-old way of life, while offering visitors a glimpse of Thailand’s rich trading heritage. Continued …
Bangkok’s New Zoo Set for 2027 Opening
Bangkok’s long-awaited replacement for Dusit Zoo is 92.5% complete, with the first public access planned as a free opening in April 2027. The full 300-rai Biodiversity Park at Khlong 6 in Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, is scheduled to fully open in early 2029.
The new site stands on former Rangsit wetland, about an hour north of central Bangkok, depending on traffic. It will be three times the size of the former Dusit Zoo, which closed in September 2018 after 80 years in operation. Continued …
Australia sets November 2 start for major gun buyback
Australia’s New South Wales state will begin a major gun buyback on November 2, offering owners up to A$1,000, or about US$700, for each eligible rifle or handgun surrendered. The federal government passed legislation in January establishing a gun buyback, strengthening checks on firearm license applicants and introducing measures against hate-related conduct. Continued …
Cafe clash highlights Israel’s religious differences
Alma Ronen has been fighting in the Israeli military nearly constantly for more than two years. Spending her Saturday not in uniform but in a T-shirt and jeans, she would like to enjoy a coffee outside – and resents that her more religious compatriots think otherwise. Continued …
Trump says US scaling back military drills with South Korea
US President Donald Trump said he was “not happy” about US participation in joint military exercises with close ally South Korea and is scaling back the drills aimed at deterring rival North Korea that start today. Continued …
Hua Hin Links and Transport
Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Hua Hin has a new Taco Bell, which opened a new branch on Phetkasem Road, near the Hua Hin Clock Tower.
Thailand’s Civil Court will hold its first case-management hearing today in a consumer lawsuit against 17 digital platform, application and financial service providers over alleged losses linked to fraudulent investment advertisements and other online scams.
Appetite grows for Talay Noi swamp buffalo meat
Thailand will not face a crude oil shortage in August despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, as supply remains sufficient for all six domestic refineries, according to the Department of Energy Business (DOEB).
The Thai baht is trading near its weakest level in over 15 months against the US Dollar, as a confluence of external pressures continues to erode its value. The currency’s decline has been driven by a renewed spike in oil prices, compounded by a firmer USD and rising US Treasury yields.
When Thailand’s Revenue Department released its latest personal income tax filing figures, the headline number was not the roughly 12 million people who submitted a return. It was the much smaller group behind it: an estimated 5 million filers, or around 40%of those who filed, who actually owed any tax at all.
Trade deficit marks a sea change
Private consumption in Thailand increased by 1.1% month-on-month in June, accelerating from 0.6% in the previous month. It marked the second straight month of growth, driven mainly by stronger spending on non-durable goods amid higher consumer goods sales following government stimulus measures, as well as improved fuel consumption as retail fuel prices declined and sales returned closer to normal levels.
The government has welcomed what it described as an excellent response to the Thais Help Thais Plus (60/40) program after more than B86 billion circulated through the economy during its first two months.
Inviting the fury of the Thai public on a matter that is admittedly done and dusted, I cannot help but feel compelled to at least voice my misgivings over the recent “noisy Italian students” incident, especially how it played out compared with another similar occurrence.
Bangkok’s Chao Phraya draws new hotels, attractions and megaprojects
Thailand launches 10 hiking schools for responsible forest tourism
Footage from a hotel in Krabi is leaving viewers unsettled after a couple reportedly discovered a large cobra lurking near their bed before sunrise.One of the guests initially treated the commotion as just being startled from a bad dream or some other misunderstanding. Only moments later did they realize why their partner had suddenly woken up and run from the room in a panic at about 5 am.
The History of Talad Noi
Thailand must accelerate its transition to advanced green manufacturing if it hopes to remain competitive in an increasingly sustainability-driven global economy, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).
Waste is often seen as the inevitable by-product of economic growth. In reality, it may become one of the most valuable resources economies possess.
Data center race faces power, water logjam
At least five people have died and 41 remain missing after an Indonesian ferry caught fire off Madura island in East Java, authorities said. Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said the ferry was carrying 271 passengers and crew, of whom 225 had been rescued by yesterday afternoon. A search and rescue operation was still under way. 
Thailand will enforce a ban on alcohol sales for two consecutive days this week to mark the Buddhist holidays of Asalha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Day, with many shops, convenience stores and restaurants prohibited from selling alcoholic drinks, unless in areas falling under current exemptions.
Samui water rationing begins Monday after drought
Thailand Schools Struggle to Break Children’s Phone Addiction
Health authorities in Chiang Mai have warned that HIV infections continue to rise across the province, with the virus increasingly affecting the wider community rather than remaining concentrated within traditionally recognized high-risk groups.
Bangkok authorities have ordered 79 entertainment venues and similar establishments to halt operations after inspecting 865 premises across the capital in a week-long safety and licensing campaign.
The Thai baht has slid to 33.640 per US dollar, its 2026 high, marking an 8.% decline since February. This weakness stems primarily from the 250–275 basis point policy rate gap between the Fed (3.5%–3.75%) and the Bank of Thailand (1.00%), which sustains a strong carry advantage for dollar assets.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun says Thailand is two-thirds of the way through concluding a free trade agreement with the European Union and is pressing Beijing on three fronts to correct an increasingly lopsided trade relationship — all part of a wider strategy to reduce Thailand’s reliance on any single major power.
Thailand expects to welcome a record 2.7 million Indian visitors next year after recommending a 30-day visa-free entry, instead of the visa on arrival initially proposed, for Indian nationals, with tourism officials also banking on expanded flight connections from smaller Indian cities to boost demand.
More tourists are good news for Thailand. But not if the country cannot cope with the pressures they bring. Tourism is one of Thailand’s biggest sources of income. For decades, success was measured by the number of visitors. That yardstick no longer tells the whole story.
Phuket generated 263 billion baht in tourism revenue during the first six months of this year, attracting nearly seven million visitors, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Thailand’s Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has issued a warning that an impending El Niño phenomenon could prove more severe than the country’s 2015 drought crisis, with prolonged dry spells potentially stretching well into 2027.
The era in which global order rested on a US monopoly over military and economic power and values has finally come to an end, taking Europe’s long period of stability with it. The world has become significantly more turbulent and uncertain, and the near future will bring even more instability. 
Hua Hin Food Fest 2026 will return to Hua Don Beach in Khao Takiab Aug. 28-30, featuring local food, fresh seafood, cooking competitions and live entertainment. The three-day festival will bring together restaurants, hotels and food businesses from Hua Hin and Cha-am, giving visitors the opportunity to sample regional dishes beside the beach.
New Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule
A nine-day Hua Hin cultural tourism event will be held at the old Hua Hin Railway Station Aug. 10-18, showcasing the art, culture and historical identity of Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Thailand has launched a digital application that allows diners to find certified street-food vendors, forming part of a government program to raise operating standards and expand market opportunities for small businesses.
Concerns over children’s mental health is renewing debate whether excessive use of mobile devices is harming academic performance and learning capability, while boosting social isolation and criminal behavior influenced by online personalities.
Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a native plant closely associated with local ways of life and traditional Thai medicine. Its removal from Thailand’s narcotics list in 2021 marked an important turning point, opening the way for broader research, economic value creation and commercial development.
A police sergeant fought back after being shot in a daylight ambush by four gunmen in Thailand’s insurgency-hit deep south yesterday, returning fire despite a bullet wound before his attackers escaped by motorcycle and boat.
Despite US efforts to impose tariffs, Thai exports to America expanded over the first nine months of the fiscal year, up by nearly 34% year-on-year for a value of 2.13 trillion baht. In contrast, exports to China grew by only 0.78%, totaling 1 trillion baht.
China’s ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Zhang Jianwei, has set out a three-point plan for expanding trade, investment and industrial links between Thailand and China. Speaking at the Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2026 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani Friday, Zhang said closer business cooperation could turn high-level agreements into practical economic results.
Thailand is tightening its screening of data center investments, shifting its focus from the number and value of projects to their quality as the expansion of artificial intelligence drives demand for electricity, water and large-scale computing infrastructure.
The robot army is coming
Thailand Food Supplement Market to Reach US$ 2.52B by 2033
Thailand has built a strong medical-tourism industry and begun investing in genomic medicine and connected health data, but it still lacks a clear national strategy for competing in the emerging longevity economy.
Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), one of Asia-Pacific’s leading healthcare providers, has unveiled WellEra Bangkok, an approximately US$865 million (THB 29 billion) wellness-integrated development that reimagines how the built environment can actively support healthier, longer lives.
The decision to give Indians 30-day visa-free entry is expected to drive the market to a new record of 2.7 million visitors next year, supported by more flights from second- and third-tier cities to Thailand, say authorities.
Nakhon Si Thammarat Temple Wins UNESCO Status
Mitsubishi Motors is set to invest B16 billion ($473.23m) in Thailand by 2030, backing the automotive sector’s move toward electric vehicles (EVs). The funding will be channeled into EV technology.
The world is sinking under more than 460 million tons of plastic waste each year. More alarming than the figure itself is the fact that about 19 million tons escape into the environment, wreaking havoc, damaging biodiversity, worsening the greenhouse-gas crisis and ultimately harming our own health.
Thailand’s coastal destinations are witnessing a significant rise in staycation bookings, with Krabi leading the charge, according to recent data from Traveloka. Krabi’s bookings have more than doubled year on year, followed by Hua Hin with an increase of over 80%, Pattaya at around 65%, and Phuket nearly 60%.
Thailand’s private hospital sector is facing a new source of competition as the government expands premium services at public hospitals, putting pressure on mid-tier operators that rely on domestic self-pay and insured patients.
Thailand has uncovered one of its biggest suspected cryptocurrency power theft operations after investigators seized 1,900 bitcoin mining machines. Detectives uncovered more than B280 million in stolen electricity and have launched a widening hunt for the financiers behind the organized criminal network.
Thailand shelves Land Bridge plan after study
Thailand’s Finance Ministry has raised its 2026 economic growth forecast to 2.5% from the 1.6% projected in April, after exports, private investment and household consumption performed more strongly than expected.
Exports surged 20.8% year-on-year to US$34.7 billion in June, driven by strong demand for industrial goods such as electronics, smartphones, electrical appliances, and automobiles and auto parts, says the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).
Thailand is stepping up efforts to strengthen economic ties with Europe by racing to finalize the free trade agreement with the European Union by the end of 2026 the Thai-EU FTA. Experts say, however, that Thai businesses doing trade with the bloc need to prioritize the traceability of their exported goods.
The Cabinet has approved a 12.76-billion-baht fisheries management plan targeting the recovery of aquatic resources, tighter controls against illegal fishing and stronger competitiveness for Thailand’s seafood industry by 2027.
Thailand’s sex industry is illegal under the 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, but an analysis on Thursday argues that it remains deeply embedded in the country’s tourism economy, supporting hotels, bars, restaurants, taxis and other businesses.
By 5:30 in the morning, the Trok Mor alley in Old Bangkok is already awake. Metal shutters rattle open one by one. A woman arranges bundles of holy basil and Chinese celery beneath a bare light bulb while another vendor lays out bitter beans and kitchen herbs on a wooden table.
Experience a mouthwatering journey in Hua Hin, with cheap eats and local street food to upscale dining at beachfront restaurants and everything in between. We’ll try appetizing Thai foods like creamy khao soi, delicious pad thai, fresh seafood, crispy pork belly, fried bananas and more in this Hua Hin food tour. 
Thailand is promoting its road-safety strategy on the world stage despite recording one of Asia’s worst motorcycle death tolls, as new figures reveal more than 14,000 riders died last year, British tourists remain under official travel warnings and two high-profile fatalities on Koh Samui have intensified international scrutiny.
Global energy supplies are being squeezed across three major shipping fronts, with conflicts threatening the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea route through Bab el-Mandeb and Russia’s Black Sea oil infrastructure at the same time.
Oil prices surged to $100 a barrel yesterday as Tehran-backed Houthi rebels targeted Red Sea shipping and US President Donald Trump threatened to strike them in return.
The current AI boom has triggered a wave of investment flowing into developing economies across Southeast Asia, including Thailand. According to Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), investment applications in the first quarter of 2026 exceeded B1 trillion across more than 600 projects, led by the digital and electronics industries to support AI-related growth.
Thailand’s government and Huawei set out a shared roadmap for the country’s artificial intelligence ambitions yesterday as the Huawei Thailand Digital & AI Summit 2026 opened in Bangkok under the theme “Advancing ALL Intelligence Thailand” — with the two sides using the occasion to launch a new national AI ecosystem initiative alongside fresh economic and talent figures.
Thailand should recognize its LGBTQ+ economy as a new growth engine that requires legal and structural reforms to attract investment and enhance global competitiveness, according to several speakers.
Culture Ministry selects 76 cultural highlights for Unseen Thai
If yesterday morning’s opening speeches at the Huawei Thailand Digital & AI Summit 2026 in Bangkok were about ambition, the address that followed was about plumbing. Poonpat Leesombatpaiboon, secretary-general of Thailand’s Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), used his keynote — titled “Green Technology for AI Thailand: Powering the Foundation of the AI Era” — to argue that Thailand’s AI future will be decided as much in power plants and transmission lines as in data centers.
The Renewable Energy Industry Club, under the Federation of Thai Industries, has called on the government to allow renewable power producers with expired adder tariffs to sell electricity to businesses, which require vast amounts of clean energy.
Thailand is reviewing a 24-billion-baht ($714 million) plan to help replace up to 80,000 aging transport vehicles with EVs and evaluating whether it should be extended to cover all electric vehicle purchases as part of its energy-transition efforts.
When we talk about foreigners moving abroad, the loudest voices and the biggest egos usually grab all the attention. But today, let’s talk about the absolute pinnacle of expat achievement: The Seamless Neighbor.
New research is looking at the positive effects of coffee on the gut-brain connection. In the small study, published Tuesday in Nature Communications, researchers found regularly drinking coffee − both caffeinated and decaffeinated versions − can affect the gut microbiome, influencing mood and stress.
Thailand is facing another burst of summer-storm weather, with the Thai Meteorological Department warning that the north and northeast will bear the brunt first, bringing thunderstorms, strong winds, hail and isolated heavy rain. Some areas may also see lightning as the latest system moves in.
The Smart Water Operation Center (SWOC) of the Royal Irrigation Department recently outlined Thailand’s water situation and outlook for 2026, saying the country is likely to enter an El Niño period in the middle of the year, which could bring below-normal rainfall.
Thailand’s economy is entering one of its most vulnerable phases as global geopolitical tensions intensify, yet selective opportunities for capital inflows remain, says Kongkiat Opaswongkarn, chief executive of Asia Plus Group Holdings. While Thailand is not directly involved in the ongoing conflicts in the Gulf region, the country’s economic structure leaves it highly exposed to external shocks.
The Trump administration is nearing a deal to rescue low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines that could include up to $500 million in government-backed financing to help it keep operating through bankruptcy, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said yesterday ticket prices may need to rise by as much as 15% to 20% to offset a surge in jet fuel costs, signaling a significant test of consumers’ willingness to absorb higher fares as the industry grapples with volatile oil prices.
Thailand’s property sector is being hit by overlapping pressures, from soaring construction costs to weakening purchasing power, prompting developers to slow new project launches and switch into “liquidity first” mode, with survival taking priority over growth.
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index dropped in March, weighed down by higher oil prices and the conflict in the Middle East, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported yesterday. The federation said its industrial sentiment index slipped to 88.6 in March from 90.0 in the previous month.
Restaurant-related associations have collaborated to tackle surging energy costs, fluctuations in raw material prices, and digital transformation. A memorandum of understanding was signed by representatives from the Restaurant Assn., the Night Restaurant Business Trade Assn., the Digital Technology Entrepreneur Trade Assn., the Thai Fresh Market Assn., and the Federation of Thai Chefs.
Vilhelm Academy: Western qualifications for Hua Hin-based students
Thailand is reviewing its 60-day visa-free entry scheme and is likely to scrap the blanket arrangement for all eligible countries, as the government seeks to tighten screening, curb abuse, and shift its tourism strategy toward higher-quality and longer-stay visitors.
According to the latest analysis by Future Market Insights (FMI), the medical tourism industry in Thailand is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving from a cost-driven destination for elective procedures into a premium global healthcare hub focused on complex and high-acuity treatments.
Places to Avoid in Thailand
Heavy rains lure frogs out of hiding and villagers out of homes
Asia’s Clean Energy Boom Reshapes the Global Power Sector
Private schools in Thailand face an unprecedented wave of closures this year, with up to 80 institutions expected to shut, reflecting mounting financial and structural pressures across the sector.
Police have arrested a man for stealing water meters across Prachuap Khiri Khan, with investigators alleging he sold burnt components for scrap to fund drug use. Officers from Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan Police Station detained a 38-year-old suspect Tuesday.
A new overpass is set to be built at Nong Phai intersection on Highway 37 after the Department of Highways signed a contract for the project in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Air quality in Thailand has worsened dramatically, with PM2.5 levels surpassing safety thresholds in 42 provinces, including regions from the north, northeast, and central areas. The Air Pollution Resolution Communication Center reported early on Tuesday that these unsafe levels could intensify over the next week.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has indicated a willingness to resume negotiations with Thailand over ongoing border disputes, marking a significant shift in previously tense relations.
US President Donald Trump has signaled that the war against Iran, waged alongside Israel, could be nearing an end, as diplomatic efforts intensify and Pakistan moves again to narrow the gap between the two sides. Yet, despite the more hopeful tone, the crisis remains unresolved, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz still badly disrupted and global energy markets under strain.
Foreign investors are selling Thai assets as an energy shock from the US-Israeli war on Iran threatens to snuff out hopes for an economic revival under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and exposes the policy paralysis that is gripping Bangkok.
Rice prices have surged the most in more than two years on concerns about the supply outlook after the cost of fuel and fertilizer jumped due to the Iran war, prompting some Thai farmers to leave their crop in the ground.
Thailand’s household debt has climbed to 86.7% of GDP, with fresh data pointing to a growing reliance on borrowing for day-to-day expenses as households struggle to cope with a fragile economic recovery.
Michelin-listed restaurant operators expect a gloomy outlook for the dining business this year, hampered by sluggish spending and surging energy costs.
Why April 15 marks Thailand’s true New Year in the ancient tradition
Elephants lead Songkran water pouring in Chiang Mai
The Thai Meteorological Department has warned that much of Thailand will experience hot to extremely hot conditions today to April 9, with maximum temperatures expected to exceed 42°C in some areas, alongside hazy skies during the daytime.
Taxi drivers in Phuket have announced a one-day strike on Monday, citing rising fuel costs and falling fares due to competition from ride-hailing applications. The action is expected to disrupt transport services across the island, with more than 4,000 drivers from taxi, van and green-plate hire services involved.
Construction Crisis: Industry Leaders Warn of Mass Project Abandonment as Costs Spiral
Yuthasak Supasorn, chairman of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand and former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said Thailand is a net oil importer, relying on crude imports for around 86% of domestic consumption. He added that energy imports account for about 6.5% of GDP, leaving the economy highly exposed when oil prices surge.
One of two ferry operators in Surat Thani yesterday announced a fourth fare hike for its service to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan since the oil crisis erupted with the outbreak of US and Israel’s war on Iran on Feb. 28.
The economic fallout from the war in the Middle East is widening well beyond the battlefield, with the International Monetary Fund warning that the shock is likely to mean higher prices, weaker growth, and tougher policy choices for countries already burdened by record debt. The IMF says the impact is highly uneven, with major energy importers, poorer economies, and countries with limited reserves facing the greatest risks.
Geopolitical tensions and rising energy costs are impacting Asian financial markets amid Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closures. Countries like Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and Indonesia focus on energy security and cost mitigation, with major indices declining.
Vacation blues is normal, but is it real or just a tourism hype in the case of Thailand? A drop in dopamine levels when transitioning from a vibrant, carefree, friendly, and affordable lifestyle to dull routines and familiar gloom is common.
Ancient history and wild nature go together in Thailand like coconut and lime, all wrapped in an emerging deluxe tourism scene with sustainability baked in.
Happy (almost) birthday, Bangkok. The capital is turning 244, and instead of a quiet nod to history, the city is going all out with ‘The 244th Anniversary of the Foundation of Rattanakosin.’ It is Bangkok, after all; extravagance is expected. Here’s a guide to the upcoming event.
Authorities have warned that this year’s haze crisis in Chiang Mai is among the most severe in recent years, with pollution-related illnesses more than doubling. Thick haze continued to blanket Chiang Mai yesterday, as PM2.5 levels remained several times above safe limits.
Calls are mounting for the government to back the Clean Air Bill, as persistent PM2.5 pollution continues to threaten communities across northern Thailand and beyond.
An increasing number of Thai households are installing rooftop solar PV to generate their own power and reduce bills. According to official sources, rooftop solar for residential and commercial use grew from 2 MW in 2019 to 3.3 GW in 2024 – a 1,650-fold increase.
A gas station in Hua Hin has introduced a 500-baht fuel limit as operators respond to increased demand linked to tightening global energy supplies amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Following PTT’s announcement on Saturday regarding fuel sales at PTT Station service stations and limits on refueling volumes, motorists became concerned about the possibility of a repeat of an energy crisis.
The Ministry of Commerce has urged businesses to hold prices on consumer goods until tomorrow, the same day the Energy Ministry’s 15-day diesel price support measure is set to expire.
The Hua Hin Wine Expo 2026 has officially confirmed a strategic move to March 19-20, promising a larger, more refined evolution of the event that has become part of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
The Hua Hin 100K Ultra Marathon 2026 has been officially launched, with organizers aiming to strengthen the town’s reputation as a sports tourism destination while inviting runners to sign up for the endurance event.
The Thailand Professional Golf Assn. (TPGA) announced its partnership with the Asian Tour to organize an Asian Development Tour (ADT)-level event — the Singha-SAT ADT Hua Hin Championship 2026 — between April 23-26 at Royal Hua Hin Golf Course.
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt has announced a policy restricting the use of mobile phones and electronic devices during lessons at 437 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
Thailand is facing a burgeoning literacy crisis, with approximately 65% of 15-year-olds unable to comprehend or analyze the content they read, despite being technically literate.
Thai health officials are sounding the alarm over a growing trend of adopting American dietary habits, warning that the latest “Upside-Down Pyramid” model from the United States may be ill-suited to the Thai physique and could lead to chronic health issues.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will expedite the enforcement of an energy-sharing mechanism that will allow member states to support each other’s oil and gas needs during supply disruptions.
Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a wall of negative sentiment this year, as geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, and tighter access to loans weigh on the sector, raising questions about how businesses can navigate these tumultuous times.
The egg farmers’ cooperative network has raised the farm-gate price of mixed chicken eggs from 3.20 baht to 3.40 baht per egg, or six baht more per tray, effective today.
Middle East conflict hits tourism in Phangnga
This abandoned floating hotel in Thailand is straight out of a horror film
Activists in the Mekong region have called on governments and agencies to take urgent action to protect the river from worsening environmental damage caused by hydropower dams and mining activities.
Sonite Innovative Surfaces Co. has opeed its factory in Bangkok, showcasing recyclable materials like rice husks, coconut fiber, eggshells, discarded bottled water, and even old money., Sonite President Nitiphan Darakananda said that people have become more conscious of the environment, with many customers asking for sustainable items to be used in their hotels and restaurants.